Correctional Counselor-26505005

Correctional Counselor-26505005

Salary

$82,284.80 - $101,067.20 Annually

Location

County of San Diego, CA

Job Type

Regular - Full time

Job Number

26505005

Department

Sheriff

Division

Detention Oper Area 1

Opening Date

06/01/2026

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

Bring Your Passion and Support the Rehabilitation Process

The County of San Diego is currently recruiting for the position of

Correctional Counselor

This position is eligible for appointment at step 1, $82,284.80.80 annually.

County employees are subject to the County Promotion Rule for Step Placement in Accordance with Compensation Ordinance 1.3.5.

FUTURE SALARY INCREASE

June 2027 - 4.43% increase to base pay (3.00% Across-the- Board + 1.43% Market Adjustment)

The following additional pay incentive(s) and/or premium(s) are available:

Correctional Counselors assigned to institutional work locations earn 5% above the regular base rate.

About the Position

Correctional Counselor is a professional journey-level position that works within the Sheriffs Office, Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA), and Probation Department. A Correctional Counselor performs a wide variety of casework assignments related to psycho-social, educational, vocational, and wellness. Counselors provide case management and facilitate groups. Work primarily takes place in detention facilities with restricted access.

Hiring Process and Timeline:

The timeline for this recruitment is outlined below.

• Job Offer and Background Process begins: Shortly after the interviews. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
• Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
• Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.

If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.

Education and Experience:

• A bachelors degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice/administration, or related behavioral or social science field, AND
• Three (3) years of full-time experience performing counseling services for an agency or organization.

Note: Experience in performing correctional counseling to incarcerated individuals in a locked detention or correctional facility is highly desirable.

The complete description of the duties and responsibilities can be found by visiting the Correctional Counselor job classification page.

Blind Applicant Screening:

The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate's personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.

Conditions of Employment:

As part of the County of San Diego's pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.

Background Investigation:

Must have a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Felony convictions will be disqualifying. Misdemeanor convictions may be disqualifying depending on type, number, severity, and recency. Prior to appointment, candidates will be subject to a thorough background investigation which may include a psychological, truth verification or other examination or test.

Evaluation:

Qualified applicants will be placed on a six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in their employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.

Accommodation:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis.

As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.

Veteran's Preference Policy:

The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego. Please read the Veterans Preference Policy for additional information.

Military Skills Translator:

Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.

The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov). (Download PDF reader).

Disaster Service Worker:

Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.

The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset, and our customers are our number one priority.

Click here to see the Non-Management Benefits Summary

01

Do you have a bachelors degree from a U.S. accredited college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in counseling, psychology, sociology, criminal justice/administration, or related behavioral or social science field?

NOTE: A copy of your diploma or complete transcript MUST be submitted with your application.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have three (3) years of full-time work experience performing counseling services for an agency or organization?

Note: Experience in performing correctional counseling to inmates in a locked detention or correctional facility is highly desirable.

• Yes
• No

03

Indicate if you have any licenses or certificates. If you wish them to be considered in the evaluation process. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" in the section below.

04

This position may involve exposure to incarcerated individuals who have communicable or contagious diseases, in which case, you will be required to wear protective equipment. Are you willing to work under these conditions?

• Yes
• No

05

What best describes your experience performing correctional counseling to incarcerated individuals or other residents of a locked detention or correctional facility?

• Extensive (5+ years)
• Moderate (3-5 years)
• Limited (1-3 years)
• Early Career (0-1 year)

06

Describe your correctional counseling experience. Include employer, job title, employment dates, and level of responsibility (fully responsible, assisted, etc.). If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" in the section below.

07

Do you have work experience facilitating cognitive behavioral groups?

• Yes
• No

08

Describe experience facilitating cognitive behavioral groups. Include employer, job title, employment dates, and level of responsibility (fully responsible, assisted, etc.). If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" in the section below.

09

Indicate which programs you have work experience in. Check all that apply.

• Alcohol & Drugs
• Anger Management
• Parenting
• Transitional Services
• Cognitive Behavioral
• HIV
• Other
• None

10

Describe your work experience with utilizing motivational interviewing and evidence based practices in counseling programs.

• Extensive
• Moderate
• Limited
• None

11

Explain how you used motivational interviewing and evidence-based practices in counseling programs. Include employer, job title, employment dates, and level of responsibility (fully responsible, assisted, etc.). If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" in the section below.

12

Which of the following options best describes your work experience in the use of case management databases.

• Viewing access
• Data entry and retrieval access
• Administrator access
• No experience

13

Describe your case management experience. Include employer, job title, employment dates, level of responsibility (fully responsible, assisted, etc.), systems used, and functions performed. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" in the section below.

14

Do you have experience and/or training de-escalating hostile, assaultive/combative or violent situations as a facilitator for an individual or group?

• Yes
• No

15

If you answered "yes" to the question above please describe your experience and/or training. In your description, include the name of your employer, job title, employment dates, where you gained your experience. If this does not apply, please indicate "N/A" in the section below.

16

Where did you hear about this job opportunity?

• Newspaper
• Magazine
• Military Ad
• Television/News
• Radio
• Peacock
• Indeed
• Business Website
• College Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Google
• Microsoft Edge
• Other Website
• Referral - County Employee
• Referral - Deputy Sheriff
• Referral - Friend
• Referral - Other Law Enforcement
• Gym
• Recruiting Van
• Bus
• Billboard
• Career Fair
• Community Event
• Health/Fitness Expo
• Miramar Airshow
• Petco Park
• San Diego County Fair
• College Campus
• College/High School Fair
• Career Center
• Criminal Justice/Admin of Justice
• Military Base
• Military Fair
• Personal Interest
• Voice and View
• Other

17

If you answered "other" in question #16, please indicate where you first heard about this job opportunity in the field provided. Indicate "N/A" in the space below if not applicable.

Required Question

Employer County of San Diego

Address 5500 Overland Ave., Suite 370

San Diego, California, 92123

Phone (619) 236-2191

(866) 880-9374

Website http://www.SanDiegoCounty.gov